West Virginia first responders to begin using interops communications | 12.26.2006 | 07:05:47 | Views: 4985 | ID: December 26 '06: West Virginia first responders, police and firefighters will be equipped with new interoperable digital communications technology through a state-wide program called the Interoperable Radio Project, the Charleston Gazette reported late last week. Within a month's time, all county public safety agency will have at least one digital radio. The 164 radios cost about $1,400 each "eventually will replace less powerful ones carried by police, firefighters and EMS and found in emergency vehicles," the Gazette reported. The radios "will set up 'talk groups' to let ambulance drivers talk to firefighters or allow neighboring police departments to better coordinate their response," the Gazette continued. Dave Erwin, the head of the interoperability project in West Virginia told the Gazette that the new radios also have better reception and can carry a signal in places conventional radios would not be able to - noteably the state Capitol. The state interoperability radio program "is in its fifth year and has cost $35 million, most from federal homeland security grants." And to reach less populated areas, 11 towers will be built to relay the digital signal, Erwin told the Gazette.
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